Adult Altar Server
Description:
Adult altar servers are primarily needed for funerals held on weekdays. An adult altar server sets up the sacred vessels and other items needed for a funeral and assists the priest in the celebration of the funeral Mass. This involves assisting with the sprinkling rite, presenting or arranging vessels, and preparing the incense for the final commendation.
Requirements:
Must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church.
Must be able to work with incense.
Must be available on weekdays. at respect
Adult altar servers are expected to show great for grieving families and friends by their demeanor, their attire, and the manner in which they perform their duties.
Training:
Training is provided with an experienced adult altar server.
Further Information:
For more information about becoming an adult altar server, contact Linda Wolf, Director of Music and Liturgy, at 444-4262 or via email at lwolf@stphilipsbemidji.org.
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Altar Server
“Just so, the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve…”
Matthew 20:28
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Description:
The primary role of the altar server is to assist the priest in the celebration of the liturgy during Mass. This involves presenting or arranging vessels and other items used in the celebrations. Their reverent and efficient service enables other ministers to attend to their own roles while the liturgical actions unfold, with calm, order and appropriate decorum. As members of the assembly who are often visible to all, the altar servers also model good liturgical participation by actively joining in the hymns, prayers and responses of the liturgy, by 'looking alert' and by sitting, standing, or kneeling at the appropriate times.
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Art & Environment
“For everything there is a season…”
Ecclesiastes 3:1
Description:
This team works behind the scenes to transform our Worship environment to heighten the awareness of the festive, solemn, or penitential nature of the different liturgical seasons. Their quiet presence is often unnoticed, yet the results of their labors are visible to all the parish community. A variety of helpers are needed to prepare a prayerful atmosphere in the worship space throughout the liturgical year. This includes:
Seasonal Decorating Crews - People are needed to arrange flowers and plants, to iron and hang banners, and to place other items appropriate for the liturgical season or special liturgy in the church, the social hall, and the entrances of the church prior to major feasts and seasons such as Christmas and Easter. Seasonal decorating assistance is also necessary at the end of the major seasons to remove the décor and properly store it for the next year.
No experience is necessary. Helpers must enjoy working with others, be willing to accept direction, and be able to assist with moving, lifting, and preparing items to be placed in the environment. Watch the bulletin for announcements about dates and times for decorating. Families are encouraged to volunteer together during the various seasons.
Linens Crew - People are needed every week to launder and iron the purificators and towels used at Mass. Linens are typically taken home on Monday or Tuesday, laundered, ironed, folded and returned by Friday. Each person is scheduled approximately once every 8 weeks.
Polishing Crew - People are needed to polish the chalices and patens on a monthly basis. This task is done in the sacristy and takes about one hour per month. No experience is necessary. Polishing materials and instruction are provided.
We also welcome artists of various medias to help envision new ideas and work on our various projects throughout the year.
Further Information:
For more information about helping on the Art and Environment Team, contact Linda Wolf, Director of Music and Liturgy, at 444-4262 or via email at lwolf@stphilipsbemidji.org.
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Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion
"Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day". John 6:54
Description:
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (commonly known as Eucharistic Ministers) assist the priests and deacons of the parish in distributing Communion at Mass. There is great joy and satisfaction to participate in this wonderful gift to God's people. Jesus comes to us as the one who gives himself to us. He loves us so much that he gives us a share in his loving self-giving. When Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion minister Christ’s body and blood to the assembled faithful, they are ministering holy food to holy people in the holiest of all communions.
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are needed at all weekday, weekend, holy day, funeral and wedding Masses held at the Church of St. Philip.
Requirements:
Must have a special love and care for the Eucharist and for all those who share in the Body and Blood of the Lord.
Must be at least a junior in high school
Must have received the Sacrament of Confirmation
Must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church
Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion are expected to show the greatest reverence for the Most Holy Eucharist by their demeanor, their attire, and the manner in which they handle the consecrated bread and wine.
Training:
Guidelines for the ministry are provided, and an evening of spiritual formation along with practical training are required before a person can be commissioned to distribute Communion.
Watch the bulletin for when the next training session will be held.
Further Information:
For more information about being an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion at St. Philip’s, contact Linda Wolf, Director of Music and Liturgy, at 444-4262 or via email at lwolf@stphilipsbemidji.org.
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Greeter
"I was a stranger and you welcomed me". Matthew 25:35
Description:
Greeters provide a welcoming atmosphere at the Church of St. Philip. The Christian hospitality shown to those who arrive at Mass draws people together and opens them to participation. The greeter’s smile and warm reception set the tone for the liturgy by welcoming both friends and newcomers to be at home as they enter the church and assemble for prayer.
At least two greeters are needed for every weekend or holy day Mass held at the Church of St. Philip. The primary responsibilities include:
Welcoming people as they enter the Church
Distributing worship aids if necessary
Finding individuals or a family to present the gifts
Answering questions
Preparing the worship space for the next liturgy by picking up trash, etc.
Requirements:
The ministry is open to all - women and men, young and old. Couples and families are encouraged to join this ministry.
Training:
Training to become a greeter is held in the fall and takes about 45 minutes. Watch the bulletin for when the next training session will be held.
Further Information:
For more information about being a greeter at St. Philip’s, contact Linda Wolf, Director of Music and Liturgy, at 444-4262 or via email at lwolf@stphilipsbemidji.org.
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Hospitality
"This is my commandment: love one another as I have loved you". John 15:12
Description:
These ministers invite parishioners and visitors to gather after our Sunday liturgies in an atmosphere of friendship and welcome. They extend hospitality to the community by providing coffee, juice, donuts, and a smile. Hospitality ministers assist in setting up and cleaning up before and after each liturgy.
A minimum of ten volunteers are needed each weekend. Volunteers are scheduled on a rotating basis according to their availability and serve about 1 hour every 4-6 weeks after the Mass of their choice. It is a great opportunity for families to serve together.
Training:
Training is provided on Sunday mornings for new volunteers.
Further Information:
For more information about the hospitality ministry, contact the parish office at 444-4262.
Lector
"The Lord God has given me a well-trained tongue, That I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them". Isaiah 50:4
Description:
Lectors strive to make the Liturgy of the Word as meaningful as possible for the worshipping assembly by speaking God’s Word as storyteller, telling how God has acted and is acting in our lives. Lectors strive to proclaim God’s Word in a clear and compelling manner so that the worshipping assembly will be inspired to ponder and meditate on God’s words in their daily lives. Lectors also raise the prayers of the faithful to God on behalf of the assembly. Three lectors are needed at every weekend and holy day Mass. The first lector proclaims the Old Testament reading; the second lector proclaims the New Testament reading; and the third lector acts as intercessor by raising the prayers of the faithful (petitions) to God. Lectors are also needed for every weekday Mass.
Requirements:
Must be in at least 11th grade or older and have received the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Must have a clear, steady voice and be comfortable reading in public.
Must be a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church.
Must be willing to study the Scripture passage and take time to practice proclaiming the reading before each liturgical assignment to achieve effective liturgical proclamation.
Lectors are expected to dress in a modest and respectful manner.
Training:
Guidelines for the ministry and practical training are provided. Lectors receive a workbook with the readings for the current liturgical year as a resource in their preparation. Training is provided so that lectors will learn to proclaim the Word transparently so that the Word itself, not the lector, is placed in the foreground.
Watch the bulletin for when the next training session will be held.
Further Information:
For more information about being an lector at St. Philip’s, contact Linda Wolf, Director of Music and Liturgy, at 444-4262 or via email at lwolf@stphilipsbemidji.org.
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Liturgy Committee
“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!”
Psalm 150:6
Description:
This committee is a standing subcommittee of the pastoral council that meets one Saturday morning every month. The mission of the St. Philip’s parish Liturgy Committee is the facilitation of full, active, conscious participation of all parishioners and guests present at liturgies celebrated at St. Philip’s Church. In order to accomplish this mission, the Liturgy Committee has five specific goals:
1. To increase the knowledge and skill of Liturgy Committee members in liturgical planning.
2. To increase the knowledge and skill of liturgical ministers in the exercise of their ministries.
3. To provide educational opportunities on liturgical matters for the entire parish community.
4. To assist the liturgical director in developing appropriate musical accompaniment for parish liturgies.
To offer parishioners a channel to provide feedback on all aspects of liturgical celebrations.
Requirements:
Must attend Mass regularly.
Must be willing to study liturgical documents and other sources about liturgy.
Must be willing to engage in thoughtful discussion of the scripture readings and liturgical guides for preparing the liturgical seasons and major feasts.
Must be willing to assist with projects the liturgy committee sponsors as needed.
Further Information:
For more information about the liturgy committee, contact Linda Wolf, Director of Music and Liturgy, at 444-4262 or via email at lwolf@stphilipsbemidji.org.
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Music Ministry
"Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; break forth into song; sing praise".
Psalm 98:4
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Description:
The members of the assembly are the primary music-makers in the liturgy, for it is their song of praise and petition. The goal of the ministry of music is to bring the song of the assembled community to life, and to transform the efforts of everyone present into prayerful song and celebration during each Mass. Our Music Ministry provides vocal and instrumental music for all weekend Masses, funerals, weddings, and special liturgies. There are a variety of opportunities available for people wanting to share their musical gifts with the parish, including the following:
Cantors proclaim the Word of God in the Psalms and lead the assembly in sung prayer. Those wishing to serve in this role must have a pleasant voice, a good sense of pitch and rhythm, and a prayerful, joyful spirit. Music is distributed in advance so that cantors may prepare at home. Cantor rehearsals are typically held on Thursdays from 5:30 – 6:30 PM in the church. Practical training is provided and new cantors will lead music at Mass with another cantor as part of the training before cantoring a full Mass alone. Singers who are not comfortable singing alone can be paired up with another cantor to lead the singing at Mass.
Accompanists support the cantor or choir musically by playing the piano, organ or guitar. Those wishing to serve in this role must be able to read music and to count while playing, have a good sense of rhythm and tempo, and be able to follow the cantor or choir director’s lead. Music is distributed in advance so the accompanists may prepare at home. Practical training is provided and new accompanists will work with another accompanist at Mass as part of the training before accompanying a full Mass alone.
Celebration Singers is a choir of adults and high school students that sings traditional and contemporary choral music in four-part harmony twice per month at the 11:00 a.m. Mass and at special liturgies from September through May. Rehearsals are on Thursday nights from 7:00 – 8:30 in the church.
Folk Group is a group of singers, guitarists and other instrumentalists that provides folk-style music for the 9:00 a.m. Sunday Mass two times per month. This group rehearses most Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. at the home of Al and Peggy Nohner.
Life Teen Band consists of vocalists and instrumentalists who sing contemporary praise and worship songs and the music of rising contemporary Catholic artists at the Life Teen Mass at 5:00 p.m. on selected Sundays from September through May. This group rehearses based on the group’s schedule and on scheduled Sundays.
Children’s Choir is made up of youth of our parish and typically sings at one Mass per month during the school year. The children’s choir is currently on hiatus while it undergoes restructuring. Please let us know if you are interested in directing or helping with a children’s choir. We are looking for help to get this choir re-started.
Funeral Choir is a choir we hope to develop for St. Philip’s Church to sing at funerals during the week. Please let us know if you are available during the day and are interested in singing in a funeral choir.
Instrumentalists include people who play a brass, percussion, string, or woodwind instrument and are willing to share their talents at Mass.
Further Information:
For more information about any of the music ministry opportunities at St. Philip’s, contact Linda Wolf, Director of Music and Liturgy, at 444-4262 or via email at lwolf@stphilipsbemidji.org.
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Sacristan
"…Then he will show you a large upper room furnished and ready. Make the preparations for us there." The disciples then went off, entered the city, and found it just as he had told them; and they prepared the Passover.”
Mark 14:15-16
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Description:
The Ministry of Sacristan provides a vital service to the worshipping community. At the Church of St. Philip, the sacristan’s general responsibilities are to help prepare and maintain the worship space and to have in place the items and people needed by the presider to properly and prayerfully celebrate Mass and other liturgies, in a smooth and flowing manner. By properly preparing and overseeing the things and people of the liturgy, the ministry of the sacristan also makes it possible for the members of the community of faith to take their full, conscious and active part in liturgical celebrations. Sacristans are needed for every weekday morning Mass and for every weekend Mass.
Requirements:
Faithful Catholic in good standing with the Church who has received the sacraments of Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.
Flexible schedule to be at church before Mass to review set-up and to stay after Mass to reset items.
Solid organizational skills.
Comfortable communicating and working with other people.
Humble attitude of service as a team player with respect for others.
Willingness to learn liturgical terms, differences throughout the liturgical year, and the rites for sacraments and liturgies for holy days.
Attentiveness to one’s own spiritual growth.
Training:
Guidelines for this ministry are provided, and an evening of spiritual formation along with practical training is required. New sacristans will also work with an experienced sacristan for several Masses as part of the training program.
Further Information: For more information about being a sacristan at St. Philip’s, contact Linda Wolf, Director of Music and Liturgy, at 444-4262 or via email at lwolf@stphilipsbemidji.org.
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Usher
"I was a stranger and you welcomed me". Matthew 25:35
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Description:
Ushers are signs of familiarity and stability for the worshiping community. Extending hospitality imitates God’s gracious welcome and furthers the assembly’s ability to worship. Ushers serve with discretion, creating an atmosphere conducive to prayer and worship. Their role is one of hosting with warmth, friendship, respect, and with a true attitude of service.
At least four ushers are needed for every weekend or holy day Mass at the Church of St. Philip. The primary responsibilities of ushers include:
Helping seat assembly members as they arrive
Taking up the collection
Assisting the gift bearers
Guiding the communion procession
Distributing bulletins after Mass
Answering questions
Assisting parishioners in case of illness or emergency
Preparing the worship space for the next liturgy by picking up trash, etc.
Requirements:
The ministry is open to all women and men.
Training:
Guidelines for the ministry and one-hour training on hospitality, the flow of the liturgy, and responsibilities and procedures are provided to assist those interested in becoming ushers.
Watch the bulletin for when the next training session will be held.
Further Information:
For more information about being an usher at St. Philip’s, contact Linda Wolf, Director of Music and Liturgy, at 444-4262 or via email at lwolf@stphilipsbemidji.org.
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